This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
We are our own worst critics. How often have we heard that phrase? And yet it is so true. It’s hard not to find fault with ourselves, to overcome whatever deficiencies we believe we have. For example, Sparkle has a problem with her size. She’s an elf; she was born small, very small, even for an elf. Surrounded by her family, all big and successful elves, Sparkle feels insignificant. Basically, she feels like she just doesn’t measure up (no pun intended) as an elf. She decides to prove herself by sewing a new outfit for herself. She works hard for days and is quite satisfied with the finished outfit, but it’s not the outfit that finally makes her feel good about herself and makes her live up to her name, makes her sparkle. It’s a chance encounter at the pond and some sage advice: “Know that the sparkle comes from inside you.”
Lisa Beere’s picture book story, Sparkle the Elf, is a clever way to present a very strong message, not just to young people, but people of all ages. Complete with exquisite illustrations by Kae Richardson, this book will charm readers of all ages, as the story about Sparkle really does sparkle. Just like Sparkle the elf, we all need to see the good within us and be content with who and what we are. Sometimes it takes the sage wisdom of a stranger to point out what we should already know; that we really are beautiful both inside and out, and our true beauty comes from deep within us. Wonderful story. A simple message with a very powerful punch. Well done!
